Fabulous Fall Fetes: Hosting a Haute Harvest Inspired Celebration

Sep 25, 2019 02:59 PM Back

Long Island is renowned for its sensational scenery including amazing arboretums, beautiful beaches, serene seascapes and fantastic farms. And, nothing says festive like a farm-inspired wedding in the fall. Long Island…from Manhasset to Montauk is home to some of the most phenomenal farms offering a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable fall fete. Here are a few other suggestions for how to host a harvest inspired celebration.

Wow guests with a spectacular seasonal soiree that takes its cues from nature and your surrounding farm environment.

Think Freshly Picked Foods: Use locally sourced produce (and meats, etc if available) and create unique locally harvested dishes that are sure to delight. If there are apple trees you can even have guests pick their own and fill their bags as their parting gift. Think about a menu that is seasonally inspired including plenty of squash, root vegetables, stews and freshly baked pies. You may even consider an apple cider donut tower for dessert.

Posh Plastics and Paper: Ditch the dainty dishes and think along the lines of something more earthy and hearty just like the season and your location. In fact, let your location set the scene for a truly tasteful rustic celebration. Think seasonal plastic plates (available at Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, The Christmas Tree Shoppes, etc) or fancy (seasonal) paper plates set on charges.

Earthy Overtones and Undertones: Consider season palettes including hues of amber, brown, gold, etc. You may also want to invest in some interesting uplighting to help create a “magical” and majestic fall ambiance

Spicy Cocktails with a Personal Twist: Use the aromatic spices and flavors of the season (such as honey, ginger, allspice, pumpkin, apple, etc) to create one of a kind cocktails. Monogram cocktails with your signature initials.

Scents of the Season: Arouse your guests’ senses with seasonal candles to fill the air with favored aromas such as pumpkin or apple pie, etc.

Natural Accents: Use seasonal foliage as centerpieces, floral arrangements, etc. Instead of vibrant flowers think twigs, vines, leaves, and the like.

Tooty-Fruity: Think outside the box when it comes to your appetizer table. Add scrumptious seasonal sides such as poached pears, fresh seasonal fruits, nuts, berries and even granola especially as a salad topper.

Heart Warming Hearth: Look for locations with a fireplace to take the chill and the edge off.

Mason Jar Madness: Nothing says fall like mason jar accents. Consider serving some hot cocoa in a mason jar…apple or pumpkin cider in a mason jar decanter or giving out mason jars filled with delicious homemade jam or jelly.

Host a Roast: Farms are the ideal place for outdoor ambiance. Consider a fire pit (if they’ve got one) where guests can sit and roast marshmallows or make s’mores for some more fun and frivolity.

The Grapes of Wrath: Think rustic grapevine arbor for pictures or to exchange vows under.

Bountiful Boutonnières: Think acorns for festive fall boutonnières with a flair.

Ride Around Sally: Treat guests to authentic autumnal hay ride

Slip Into Something More Comfortable: Consider giving guests a gift that keeps on giving and gets them “in the spirit of the season”. Think throw blankets or a pair of comfy slippers and a bottle of local libations.

Fall Fun: Treat tiny guests to some festive fall fun like pumpkin picking or dunking for apples. You may also want to serve up some candies apples as a tasty seasonal treat or as flavorful parting gifts for little guests.